A Long Weekend in Aberdeen
From Historic Streets to Wild Shores: Slow Sundays, Salty Air, and the Charm of Aberdeen
From Historic Streets to Wild Shores: Slow Sundays, Salty Air, and the Charm of Aberdeen
There's a moment, every year, when we step off the ferry or plane in Aberdeen, and I feel a quiet kind of happiness settle in. This city has become our little escape—a place where time slows, where we can just be a family without the noise of daily life.
Once a year, my husband, my son, and I take a long weekend in Aberdeen. It's our little tradition, an annual treat where we escape the daily routine and simply enjoy each other's company. No work, no chores—just relaxed, unhurried time together.
Getting there is part of the experience. We either take the ferry (not the most thrilling option during winter gales and wild seas!) or hop on a quick one-hour flight. We usually stay at the Station Hotel, a centrally located gem with old-world charm. It's not fancy, but I'll always choose character over something sleek and impersonal.
The Beach and the Village by the Sea
One of my favourite parts of our trip is heading to Aberdeen Beach—especially if the weather is on our side. We often walk there through Footdee—or "Fittie," as it is known by locals—a historic fishing village that has been part of Aberdeen for centuries.
Originally a medieval settlement, referred to on early maps as “Fish Town”, the current village was redesigned in the mid-19th century by John Smith, who was also the architect behind the new Balmoral Castle. His thoughtfully planned layout of neat squares and rows of cottages was intended to provide better living conditions for fishermen and their families and protect them from the fierce storms and harsh weather.
Today, Fittie still retains its unique charm, with its quaint, low-built cottages, vibrant doors, and whimsical personal touches—everything from upcycled buoys to quirky garden sculptures. There's even one with an honesty box where you can buy local honey and eggs—such a lovely touch! A jar of the honey savoured over the year is a treasured souvenir and a reminder of the special trip. A stroll (considerate, as this is a residential area) through these historic lanes truly feels like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into Aberdeen's maritime heritage.
And then there's the beachfront itself—fresh air, wide horizons, and that deep sense of calm. I'd go there every day if I could. We usually visit on a Sunday, and there's something wonderful about slowing down and watching life unfold: families with little kids, older couples on gentle morning strolls, joggers, dog walkers, even sea swimmers and surfers braving the cold. And sauna goers too - that's a new exciting addition which we haven't tried out yet. That time on the beach has become one of our most cherished family rituals.
The highlight? A coffee and pastry from one of the beach café huts. The enticing aroma of fresh coffee mixed with the salty sea air, and there's something so cozy about wrapping cold fingers around a warm cup, watching the waves roll in and walkers pass by. My favourites are Cairn and Foodstory—both serve amazing coffee and delicious, wholesome treats. These little gems—often repurposed from horse boxes, upcycled shacks, or even old buses—have so much charm. It's such a simple pleasure, but one I always look forward to. Another of my favourite Aberdeen cafes is Mount at Upperkirkgate.
Art, Museums and Parks
Beyond the beach, there are so many places in Aberdeen that I love returning to. Whether the weather is on your side or not, a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery with its carefully curated exhibitions is always worth a visit. I love how the contemporary architecture inside blends seamlessly yet strikingly with the charm and grandeur of the old building. There's even a café with a terrace at the top, offering stunning views of Aberdeen city.
Another great place is the Aberdeen Maritime Museum where you can learn about the area's seafaring past, from the traditional fishing industry to the more recent era of offshore exploration and North Sea oil discovery. Duthie Park is a beautiful green escape, especially the Winter Gardens, which house one of the largest collections of cacti and tropical plants in Scotland. Or there’s Old Aberdeen a part of the city that feels frozen in time, with its cobbled streets, ancient university buildings, and peaceful parks—perfect for a slow, thoughtful wander. Another place worth visiting, at the north boundary of Old Aberdeen, is Seaton Park, one of the city's largest open spaces on the banks of the River Don.
Exploring Further
Some visits, when we have the time and energy, we extend our beach walk into something longer—a walk through Torry to Greyhope Bay. This area, a large promontory on the southern side of Aberdeen Harbour, offers stunning views of the North Sea and the ever-changing sky over the city.
The route takes us through another historic part of Aberdeen, with glimpses of its maritime past before opening up into a wild and rugged coastline. There's something so refreshing about transitioning from the urban to the natural, moving from historic streets to wide-open spaces where the air feels even fresher, the world even quieter. It's a reminder of how much contrast and old-world charm Aberdeen holds.
A Stunning Train Journey
For a real treat, especially if you love trains, I'd highly recommend taking the East Coast train from Aberdeen to Edinburgh. It's a breathtaking journey along rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and sweeping sea views. You don't even need to go all the way to Edinburgh—stopping in Stonehaven or Dundee makes for a wonderful day trip. As I took the train the other day, I made a mental note to visit Pettycur and Burntisland—both looked absolutely stunning, with beautiful shorelines and beaches. It's a reminder that sometimes the journey itself can be just as special as the destination.
Slow City Sundays
For a while now, I've had this thing—a Sunday in a different city. When we travel, if we happen to be away on a Sunday, I love spending it like the locals do. No packed itinerary, no rushing from sight to sight. Just a slow morning, a leisurely brunch or picnic, a walk in the park, or a quiet visit to a museum.
Watching how people spend time together—families, friends, couples—just enjoying a day of rest is something I find deeply comforting, thought-provoking, and inspiring.
Of course, when time is short, it's tempting to cram in as much as possible. But since embracing our slow city Sundays, I feel like I've found something priceless. These moments—unhurried, simple, full of presence—are the ones I treasure the most. And more often than not, they're far cheaper than the usual tourist experiences or visits to the shops.
A Place in My Heart
Aberdeen will always be special to me. I first fell in love with it in 1999, during a school exchange trip to Shetland, as we were passing through, and that feeling has never left. Every time we return, I'm reminded of why this place holds such a special place in my heart, even as it evokes a sense of nostalgia. Like many places, Aberdeen has seen significant changes over the years, yet its essence remains.
Each time we leave, I carry a little piece of Aberdeen with me—the echo of waves, the crunch of sand underfoot, the grey stone starkly beautiful architecture, and, most importantly, the warmth of slow Sundays. And I know we'll be back, just as we always are.
Thank you for this virtual excursion, Misa. I agree about the Edinburgh-Aberdeen train journey….I take the Caledonian sleeper from London but get off at Edinburgh, spend a day or simply have coffee with a friend, and then make sure to do the coast stretch in daylight. I love the Forth and Tay bridges and the scenery generally is fabulous, especially to one who lives inland in dry dusty Australia. And I’ll always choose the ferry over air travel ….because then it really feels like a journey!
You paint a wonderful picture of my home town, I’m glad you have seen the beauty in it.